Berkley Senate run could pave way for ex-Rep. Titus

Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) expects plenty of Democratic interest in her 1st congressional district seat now that she's running for Senate, but she suggested it could be a good fit for former Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.).

Asked Thursday about potential candidates for her House seat in 2012, Berkley dropped Titus's name, noting her close friendship with the former congresswoman.

Titus, who was defeated by Republican Joe Heck last November, "has made it known that she wants to run again, so that's a possibility," Berkley told the Ballot Box.

The Nevada Democrat, who officially jumped into the 2012 race for retiring Sen. John Ensign's seat Thursday, said the majority leader of the Nevada's Senate, Steven Horsford, is another potential candidate for the seat.

"I have no doubt there's going to be a lot of interest," Berkley said.

Democrats have been urging Titus to make another run in 2012, either against Heck in the 3rd district or in the yet-to-be drawn 4th congressional district.

Nevada is adding a district ahead of 2012, and Democrats in the state are hoping to carve it out as a Democratic-leaning district in southern Nevada.